SMU Returning To Playoff Form Would Be Good For Notre Dame
As Rhett Lashlee restores the Mustangs' championship identity, a high-octane offense led by Kevin Jennings could transform this overlooked ACC clash into a critical resume-builder for the Irish.
One of the most overlooked teams on Notre Dame's schedule nationally are the SMU Mustangs. We're talking about a program that made the 12-team College Football Playoffs before Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan and USC. I understand, to a degree, why they're overlooked.
It's because they play in the ACC and aren't named Miami or Clemson, but don't let the logo on the helmet fool you. Head coach Rhett Lashlee is building something down in Dallas. In the last two seasons, SMU has gone 20-7 overall and have a 14-2 record in conference.
They went 8-0 in conference play and 11-3 overall in 2024 when they played for the conference title and made the playoffs. This past season, they took a two-game step back and finished 9-4. They went 8-4 in the regular season and beat Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl to pick up their 9th win.
With that being said, my outlook on the Mustangs this season isn't solely based on what they did in previous years. Some of it has to do with the last two seasons, but it's also because of what they bring back for their 2026 campaign. Starting quarterback Kevin Jennings returns as the signal caller on offense.